Nine seeking four Palomar Health board seats

There are nine candidates in the Nov. 6 election for the four full-term seats on the Palomar Health Board of Directors. The seats have a four-year term. Voters can select up to four candidates.

In addition, healthcare financial consultant Tom Kumura is running unopposed for the remainder of another board seat. The “short term” is for two years.

Seven of the nine candidates in the full-term race responded to a newspaper questionnaire to let voters know more about them. Two candidates — Registered Nurse Linda Carol Greer and personal banker Cody James Ryan — did not respond.

The public hospital district spans the North Inland area. Communities it serves include Poway, Rancho Bernardo and 4S Ranch. Its medical facilities include Palomar Medical Center Poway (former Pomerado Hospital) and the Villa Pomerado Care Center in Poway. Information on the district, its facilities and services is at PalomarHealth.org.

Dale Bardin Courtesy photo

► Incumbent Dale Bardin, age not provided, is a Rancho Bernardo resident who has lived in the district for 29 years. His career included being a physicist and healthcare analyst, and he earned a Ph.D. in physics from Michigan State University. He was appointed to the board this year and sought election in 2014 and 2016. His campaign website is at BardinForPalomarHealth.wordpress.com.

Bardin said he wants to be elected because “I have been attending (board) meetings ... for six years. The board selected me to fill a vacancy this year because of my expertise and perspective after 30-plus years in the defense industry, especially as an analyst of complex organizations and experience with quality assurance. That is why I am running. I am passionate about patient care, quality improvement and access to healthcare. I ... chair the (board’s) Audit and Compliance Committee ... and am on the Advocacy Committee of the Association of California Healthcare Districts (ACHD).”

He said the three greatest issues impacting the district are:

• Patient care — “a poor ‘quality’ culture evolved in the past because of adversarial relationships with the nurses and other employees — unions, insufficient support for physicians and spending priorities, which led to probation. Research shows a collaborative culture produces the best quality.”

• Infrastructure — under-investment in capital and training that he said “led to outdated equipment, older management techniques and unsound processes.”

• Policy — access to healthcare, drug costs and pre-existing conditions at the hospital and state level. “We strayed from our mission and vision, which led to shortcomings that could, and should, be addressed.”

To change these, Bardin said he would:

• Patient care — “foster a collaborative culture through better relationships with nurses and employees, administrative and facility support to physicians and support for quality initiatives.”

• Infrastructure – invest in capital and training by updating and purchasing equipment, using management techniques for complex organizations and go from managed quality processes to proactively optimizing processes.

• Policy — improve district policies and advise on state legislation. “Specifically, increase access through improved population health efforts and making healthcare processes more friendly, reduce drug costs through improved pharmacy efficiency and advising legislators through the ACHS, and promote legislation for pre-existing conditions.”

“Having grown up on a small farm in Michigan, we had access to healthcare, just not the money to use it,” Bardin said he wants voters to know about him. Also, that he served in the military, worked in the defense industry and his wife is a retired registered nurse who started at Pomerado Hospital in 1990. “Our many healthcare discussions at home led our daughters into related professions (of) mental health therapist and cancer research.”

Bardin said voters should support him because “a good board needs diversity in experience and training. I was selected to fill a vacancy ... based on my experience with the analysis and operations of complex organizations, experience with level five quality certification ... and leadership, especially creating collaborative cultures.”

John Clark Courtesy photo

► John Clark, 66, is a Poway resident who has lived in the district for 40 years. He is a medical business professional with a bachelor’s degree in biology/pre-medical studies from the University of Scranton. This is his first time seeking board election. His campaign website is at JohnClarkForPalomarHealth.com.

Clark said he is running because “I have an extensive background in developing and financing medical companies and hospital partnerships. I have owned and operated surgery centers and brain cancer treatment centers. I have ... (lived here) 40 years and know firsthand the value of a high-quality hospital system. I have served on the hospital foundation board for the past nine years and have acquired an extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the hospital and challenges the system faces. I wish to have a greater impact in helping Palomar Health recognize its true potential and delivering above-average patient outcomes to our community.”

• Implementing a sound fiscal conservative policy to ensure that the nonprofit hospital can reinvest in medical and lay staff for providing “great patient outcomes. We must make prudent choices in the use of our funds,” he said.

• Creating joint ventures with national partners to provide high-quality cancer care programs and clinical studies within the hospital to give patients expanded access to high technology innovations.

To change these, Clark said, “Sometimes it’s changing certain practices and attitudes, and sometimes it’s simply improving these functions that drive our hospital system. I would ensure that expenditures are appropriate, timely and targeted for the intended projects. Better patient outcomes requires high-level management expertise and inspection and I would insist that we have this. I would immediately start joint venture conversations with nationally-recognized medical institutions and increase physician involvement in these programs, which translates into better medicine for our citizens of this community.”

Clark added, “I would like voters to know that their board of directors understands the business of running a hospital and the management needed to achieve its goals and objectives. I’ve lived in this area for over 40 years. I had children born at our district hospitals and I have had emergency situations in my family that required lifesaving healthcare. I personally feel as if I have a debt to pay back to our community healthcare system and I can achieve that as a (board) member.”

Clark said voters should support him because “I believe my background in owning, financing and operating medical companies qualifies me to serve on the board ... I have served on the Palomar Health Foundation board for nine years ... have participated on numerous committees with CEOs and management and this has been a great learning experience.”

Laurie Edwards-Tate Courtesy photo

► Laurie Edwards-Tate, age not provided, is a San Marcos resident who has lived in the district for 23 years. She is president and CEO of At Your Home Familycare and has a master’s degree in human resource management and organizational development from Chapman University. She ran for the board in 2014. Her campaign website is at Edwards-TateCampaign.com.

Edwards-Tate said she is running because “I want to be a health care champion for the constituents ... ensure quality and safe patient-centered care; step-up patient engagement and feedback mechanism regarding the patient hospital experience; ensure an adequate supply of hospital human resources who provide top-notch patient care and who are well-trained and well-motivated; provide increased opportunities for employee engagement with the administration and the board ... ensure the stability and longevity of Palomar Health so that it is fiscally sound, in compliance, ... (has) state-of-the-art facilities and is a viable long-standing institution; (and) engage with the district community.”

She said the three greatest issues impacting the district are:

• Improving the patient experience of care, including quality and satisfaction.

• Improving the health of populations.

• Reducing the per capita cost of healthcare.

To change these, Edwards-Tate said:

• Patient activation and engagement and patient-centeredness of medicine must include an invitation for patients to articulate their needs plus pledge to address and meet these as “essential goals” while helping to prevent reentry following hospital discharge.

• Have greater emphasis on disease prevention and patient responsibility in chronic disease management to get better compliance and care coordination or reduce readmission rates and costs.

• Have an ongoing reassessment of payor sources and utilization of health and medical services. Also balance and assess all hospital resources for sound fiscal stewardship and decision making.

Edwards-Tate said she wants voters to know she is “committed to the health and wellness of the constituents within ... (the) district. My passion for patient-centered care will ensure that patients will be partners in their care, and safety and quality will not be compromised.” She said personal experience with her mother who required extensive emergency room and hospitalizations “has provided insight into the overall needs of district consumers.” Also that she is sensitive to the needs of the all disabled, but especially veterans, and wants more research, development and protocols in all diseases that are particular to women, with focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Edwards-Tate said voters should support her because of her career experience with hospitals plus her understanding of nonprofit and for-profit business models, knowledge of healthcare and employment laws and legislations, experience with the healthcare community and involvement with community-based organizations. She also mentioned her “love for Palomar Health and its intention as a viable district institution along with my passion and drive to serve.”

Richard C. Engel Courtesy photo

► Richard C. Engel, 66, is an Escondido resident who has lived in the district for 29 years. He is a physician, medical group CEO and medical group officer who earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and was a fellow in cardiothoracic anesthesia at Emory University. This is his first time seeking board election. His campaign website is at Engel4PHboard.com.

Engel said he is running because “I believe the Palomar Health system is at a critical juncture. There has been a recent lack of continuity and stability at the highest levels of Palomar Health, both on the board and on the administrative side. The majority membership of our board for the next four years will be chosen this election. Most of the other candidates are looking at Palomar Health from an ‘outside the organization’ perspective. It is imperative for the future success of this board and this health system to have the perspectives, awareness, experience and organizational historical knowledge of at least one clinically active physician.”

He said the three greatest issues impacting the district are:

• The need for accountability, credibility and continuity in Palomar Health’s leadership from the administration, medical staff and board.

• Need to get the basics of high quality care right.

• Economic stability.

To change these, Engel said:

• He has a passion for accountability and leadership which “I have demonstrated ... in many venues, especially within Palomar Health.” He mentioned his experience since 1989 of working with its various administrations and boards plus his performance and leadership over several decades that “demonstrates an ability to contribute meaningfully and constructively as a (board) member.”

• “Palomar Health has a history of repeating the same mistakes over and over,” he said. “We still have issues getting it ‘right’ with some basic functional components of what we do in important areas of our operations. ... Our board must know about what is really going on to hold our administrative leadership accountable for creating an environment that fosters high quality performance focused on patient care.”

• Because he said Palomar Health’s margins of profitability “are razor thin,” Engel said it must develop a long-term plan based on “sound and prudent fundamental financial and strategic principles ... with a very focused concept of specific goals.”

Engel said he wants voters to know “I love being a physician. I am passionate about representing and advocating for physicians. I have grown in my understanding of our health system through living in it for 29 years. I have observed the compassion and skill of my nursing colleagues and our support staff. ... We need each other functioning as a team to provide the care our patients deserve. My commitment now extends ... to (helping) establish a cohesive and focused board.”

Engel said voters should support him because of his experience, skills and awareness of Palomar Health’s organizational history. “My perspectives are not offered by any other candidate,” he said.

Vanessa Gutierrez Courtesy photo

► Vanessa Gutierrez, 25, is an Escondido resident who has lived in the district for eight years. She is a behavioral therapist with a bachelor’s degree in psychological sciences from California State University San Marcos. This is her first time seeking board election. She does not have a campaign website.

“I wish to serve on the Palomar Health board so that I may contribute to the healthful advancement of community members in the Palomar Health district,” she said. “Eager to improve my community, I aspire to serve on the ... board with great care, loyalty and obedience. I am a new voice for the future, and I plan on using it.”

She said the three greatest issues impacting the district are:

• Access to healthcare for all.

• Reproductive health.

• Cultural competence in healthcare.

To change these, Gutierrez said she will:

• Oversee that healthcare professionals have the proper training to increase cultural competence in the district.

• Be mindful of potential collaborations with other community health providers to allow for more accessible healthcare for all.

Gutierrez said she wants voters to know that “As a young Chicana woman, I know how important it is for all individuals (to) have access to healthcare. My life struggles and triumphs have guided me towards an interest of helping others; I thrive on positively impacting the lives of those in my community. As an undergraduate student at California State University San Marcos I joyfully volunteered with the H.O.P.E. and Wellness Center to support fellow students in all aspects related to health. If elected, I will continue to employ my drive to help others and oversee that strategic decisions made for the hospital emphasize the importance of quality care.”

She said voters should support her because “It is vital for an elected board member to understand the health-related needs of the community, so they may respond with outreach efforts and education. My background as a behavioral therapist has given me firsthand experience working with children with developmental disorders and their families. I have heard their frustrations and praises when it comes to the healthcare system. As (a) young woman, I have direct knowledge regarding the importance of reproductive health. With this knowledge, I know I am the right candidate to advocate for access to healthcare for all, reproductive health and cultural competence in the Palomar Health district.”

Christopher K. Lee Courtesy photo

► Christopher K. Lee, 28, is an Escondido resident who moved into the district within the past year. He is a healthcare consultant who helps community clinics adopt technology to better care for low-income patients and families. He also teaches healthcare administration courses at National University and coaches young professionals on identifying and achieving their passions. Lee graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social behavior from the University of California, Irvine and a master of public health degree in health management and policy from San Diego State University. He is also a certified professional in healthcare quality. This is his first time seeking board election. His campaign website is at ChristopherKLee.com.

Lee said he is running for the board because “As a local resident, I want to ensure that high-quality care is available when my neighbors and I need it. As a taxpayer, I want to see that these funds are managed appropriately. As a healthcare professional, I’m well versed in current issues and will bring new ideas and solutions to Palomar Health.”

He said the three greatest issues impacting the district are:

• Quality care continuity for patients.

• Stability and transparency for staff.

• Financial growth and sustainability.

To change these, Lee said he would support initiatives that:

• Minimize disruption to patient care amidst all the changes and ensure that Palomar Health continues investing in community needs, such as outpatient care and behavioral health services.

• Improve employee morale and retention, promote better internal communication and reduce reliance on temporary labor. “To take good care of our patients, we must take good care of our staff,” he said.

• Advance a clear, cohesive strategy informed by local needs since the district “is accountable to taxpayers on how it stewards its assets.”

Lee said he would like voters to know he is “passionate about improving healthcare, not only as a professional, but also as a patient.” Citing care he received following an accident, “Though I’m grateful for my treatment and outcomes, I saw firsthand how difficult it is to navigate our healthcare system. Patients entrust healthcare providers with their well-being in their most vulnerable times. They shouldn’t have to deal with additional burdens. I will support initiatives that simplify healthcare for patients and meet them where they are.”

Lee said voters should support him because “health systems need fresh perspectives and new ideas. We cannot solve our problems with the mind-set that created them. To facilitate meaningful change ... I bring to the table: A deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, on-the-ground experience with tech innovations, the ability to connect across cultures and generations, and an unwavering commitment to patients and taxpayers. The public deserves greater accountability from healthcare organizations. I will do everything to ensure that Palomar Health stewards its resources in a way that benefits the community most.”

Hans Christian M. Sison Courtesy photo

► Incumbent Hans Christian M. Sison, 51, is a Poway resident who has lived in the district for nine years. He is a licensed nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lyceum Northwestern University. He ran for the board in 2014 and is completing his first term. His campaign website is at SisonForPalomarBoard.com.

Sison said he is running for reelection because “Palomar Poway campus gave me and my family ... access to emergency medical treatment when we needed it most. The least I could do for the district is to insure that it remains financially viable to continue serving the people in this community with access to an affordable care and a highly skilled staff of physicians and nurses that provides the best quality of care in Southern California.”

He said the three greatest issues impacting the district are:

• A need for more behavioral beds due to increased usage of emergency rooms.

• Decreased reimbursements.

• Access to health care needs.

To change these, Sison said he would advocate for:

• More collaboration and funding from the county to create more beds.

• Better reimbursement from the state to cover the cost of providing care.

• Increase the district’s capacity by building out the remaining floors at Palomar Medical Center Escondido.

Sison said he wants voters to know he has “a history of serving and taking care of people, which started all (at) an early age at a church every Sunday to help feed the homeless, then as a volunteer nurse at a local hospital. I am also a Gulf War veteran and willing to do again if given the opportunity.”

Sison said voters should support him because of his 23 years of nursing experience taking care of patients on a daily basis. He said he is the “only candidate that actually worked as nurse at Palomar Health,” which has given him the “opportunity to listen to patients, families and witness a system that at times (was) unable to provide the care they deserved. Combined with my years of experience as a board of director (member) for Palomar Health district since 2014 (it) gives me a bird’s eye view on the challenges that would impact our ability to give the best care possible to our patients. I will continue to look for ways to cut administrative waste and spend the savings to improve patient care.”